Details of Memorial Events
Senator Lindsey Graham, a long-serving Republican from South Carolina, passed away on July 11 at the age of 71 due to a tear in his aorta. His funeral arrangements have been set, with ceremonies planned both in Washington, D.C. and South Carolina to honor his service.
Washington D.C. Memorials
On Tuesday, July 28, a funeral service will take place at Washington National Cathedral at 2 p.m. ET. Attendance in the cathedral is by invitation, but the service will be livestreamed on the cathedral’s website and YouTube channel. Before the ceremony, Graham’s remains will be brought to the U.S. Capitol by an Armed Forces Body Bearer Team. Inside the Capitol Rotunda, a U.S. Capitol Police memorial guard will honor his years of service. This ceremony can also be viewed via livestream.
South Carolina Tributes
Following the Washington service, Graham’s remains will return to South Carolina for additional tributes on Wednesday, July 29, starting at 10:45 a.m. ET. The procession will pass the South Carolina State House and proceed to First Baptist Church of Columbia for a public funeral service. The ceremony will conclude with a private family burial in Pickens County. The First Baptist Church will open its doors at 10 a.m. ET, with the service starting at noon.
Support and Acknowledgements
Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister and successor in the Senate, expressed gratitude for the support received in organizing the ceremonies. She acknowledged the contributions of the White House, Senate officials, Washington National Cathedral, and others in coordinating the tributes.
“I am grateful to all those who have come together to help honor and remember Lindsey. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to President Trump and his team, Washington National Cathedral, Senate leadership, First Baptist Church of Columbia, and the Senate Sergeant at Arms for going above and beyond to ensure these will be honorable tributes to Lindsey,” Darline Graham said.
Expected Attendees and Speakers
Several notable figures are anticipated to attend the services. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are reportedly planning to be present. These leaders reflect Graham’s significant ties and influence in U.S. foreign policy.
President Donald Trump is confirmed to deliver a tribute at the Washington funeral service. Other speakers include Fox News anchor Sean Hannity and Graham’s niece, Emillie Boggs Roberts.
Additionally, Trump is expected to welcome both Zelensky and Netanyahu at the White House to discuss respective peace efforts and other foreign policy issues.